Anti-whaling campaigner wanted by Japan to remain held in Greenland

Canadian-US environmentalist and anti-whaling campaigner Paul Watson is to remain in custody in Greenland following his arrest in July pending possible deportation to Japan, police said on Thursday.

The Nuuk district court has extended Watson's detention to September 5, while an international arrest warrant is processed. Watson is to appeal the court ruling.

Watson, 73, was arrested after entering Nuuk harbour with the ship, the John Paul DeJoria, on July 21.

Watson, who founded the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, has been an animal rights activist for decades, drawing opposition from various whaling nations on account of his style of direct action.

He is controversial among other environmentalists, some of whom see him as a hero while others describe him as an eco-terrorist.

According to the Danish Justice Ministry, the Greenland authorities have to investigate whether the conditions for deportation have been fulfilled under the autonomous territory's legislation.

A final decision will be taken by the Danish authorities in Copenhagen. It is not clear when this will occur.

Originally a member of Greenpeace, Watson has fallen out with that organization on account of his methods.

Activists have called for Watson's release. If deported to Japan, he is said to face up to 15 years in prison for causing injury during an attack on a Japanese whaler.